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Perhaps it’s the slew of Victorian literary characters, the subtle aura of creepiness, or how pretty the cinematography, set, and costumes are. (It’s definitely got something to do with Eva Green’s portrayal of Vanessa Ives.) Whatever the reason, we can’t get enough of this show, which is why these gorgeously animated “Penny Dreadful Portraits” are such a godsend.

Delving into the literary origins of the characters Frankenstein, Dorian Grey, and Dracula – all of whom will appear in Penny Dreadful at one point or another – the shorts analyze the initial creation of these iconic characters and how that translates into the series. Check them out below:

These “Penny Dreadful Portraits” were commissioned by Sky Atlantic, narrated by writer and historian Matthew Sweet, and directed by Gergely Wootsch. You can watch Penny Dreadful on Showtime, Sundays at 10pm.